Your Guide to Ruidoso’s Must-See Holiday Events

Ruidoso shines brightly during the holidays. The village comes alive with festive parades, Christmas shows, twinkling light displays, and seasonal celebrations for all ages. Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or looking for the year’s must-see festivities, here’s your guide to Ruidoso’s top holiday events.

Light shows, holiday parades, and winter sleigh rides. Discover how Ruidoso shines at holiday time.

Light shows, holiday parades, and seasonal celebrations. Discover how Ruidoso shines at holiday time.

2026/2027 Holiday Events

Featured
39th Annual Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 13
39th Annual Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center

Shop for the holidays at the 39th Annual Christmas Jubilee, November 13–15, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Enjoy three days of shopping plus family activities Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5; children 12 and under and active military are free with ID. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com

Read more →
A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 20
A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center

Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 20 - 22, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere! 

Read more →
Thanksgiving Weekend in Ruidoso
Nov 26
Thanksgiving Weekend in Ruidoso

Spend Thanksgiving weekend in Ruidoso with mountain adventures, holiday dining, local shopping, seasonal events, and plenty of ways to enjoy a long weekend together.

Read more →
Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)
Nov 28
Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)

Ski Apache is open for skiing, weather permitting. Please check the SkiApache.comwebsite for hours and ticket information. Tickets & Passes >>

Read more →
Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K
Nov 28
Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K

Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 28, 2026! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.

Read more →
Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)
Nov 28
Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)

Celebrate opening day at the Ruidoso Ice Skating Rink at Wingfield Park on November 28! The 2026–27 season brings outdoor skating, skate rentals and winter fun to the heart of Ruidoso.

Read more →
Christmas In The Park
Dec 3
Christmas In The Park

Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January.

Read more →
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 5
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

Ruidoso’s Festival of Lights Parade returns December 5, 2026, with this year’s “A Holly Dolly Christmas” theme, bringing twinkling lights, festive floats, holiday cheer, and plenty of sparkle to Midtown Ruidoso.

Read more →
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 19
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Read more →
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 19
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Read more →
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Read more →
New Year’s Eve Party: Summer of ’69 at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Party: Summer of ’69 at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Ring in 2027 at Inn of the Mountain Gods with the Summer of ‘69 New Year’s Eve Party, featuring a Bryan Adams tribute, DJ Frizzo and Retro Revolution on December 31, 2026.

Read more →
Things to do in Ruidoso, Winter, Entertainment experiences, Attractions & ActivitiesEditorsholiday activities, Holiday events, winter